BMW F 850 GS 2022 vs. Ducati DesertX 2023

The BMW F 850 GS 2022 and the Ducati DesertX 2023 are both enduro motorcycles with similar technical specifications. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine performance, the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a more powerful engine with 110 HP compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 95 HP. Both bikes have the same torque output of 92 Nm. The Ducati DesertX 2023 also has a larger displacement of 937 ccm compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 853 ccm. However, the BMW F 850 GS 2022 has an inline engine configuration while the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a V-type engine.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, but the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a larger diameter of 46 mm compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 43 mm. The Ducati DesertX 2023 also has a longer front suspension travel of 230 mm, while the BMW F 850 GS 2022 has a travel of 204 mm. For the rear suspension, both bikes have a swing arm with a monoshock, but the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a slightly shorter travel of 220 mm compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 219 mm.

BMW F 850 GS 2022

In terms of chassis, both bikes have a steel frame with a tubular design. The BMW F 850 GS 2022 has a rake of 62 degrees and a trail of 126 mm, while the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a slightly steeper rake of 62.4 degrees and a shorter trail of 122 mm.

Both bikes have double disk front brakes, but the Ducati DesertX 2023 offers more advanced rider assistance systems, including riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The BMW F 850 GS 2022 only has ABS as its advanced rider assistance system.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm. However, the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a slightly larger rear tire diameter of 18 inches compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 17 inches. The Ducati DesertX 2023 also has a longer wheelbase of 1608 mm compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 1593 mm. The seat height of the Ducati DesertX 2023 is also higher at 875 mm compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 860 mm. The Ducati DesertX 2023 also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 15 liters. However, the Ducati DesertX 2023 is slightly lighter with a kerb weight of 223 kg compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 229 kg.

Ducati DesertX 2023

In terms of strengths, the BMW F 850 GS 2022 offers good wind and weather protection, a well thought-out operating concept, practical equipment, very accessible operation and driveability in everyday use, good seat comfort, and a great connectivity solution. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, and well thought-out detail solutions. It also comes with extensive standard equipment.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The BMW F 850 GS 2022 has vibrations in the upper rev range, a boring engine, a stiff quickshifter gearstick, front damping that is too lax, a non-adjustable fork, a ponderous feel, and a front brake that could do with more bite. The Ducati DesertX 2023 has a smooth running engine in the lower rev range, suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for pillion riders.

Overall, the BMW F 850 GS 2022 and the Ducati DesertX 2023 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.